IU's Dual Approach: A Model of Kindness and Firmness in the Entertainment Industry

Singer IU exemplifies the 'dual approach' of kindness and firmness. She is known for her charitable acts and love towards fans and the vulnerable, while taking a strong stance against malicious commenters. Her approach of promoting good and punishing evil has become a model in the entertainment industry. Industry insiders regard IU's two-track strategy as a textbook example of effective response.

According to the music industry on the 13th, IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, has filed lawsuits against 180 malicious commenters from last year to this year. These individuals are accused of spreading false information, making death threats, sexual harassment, and creating and distributing illegal content. The agency explained that the number of lawsuits is increasing. Unlike the usual brief statements from other agencies, EDAM Entertainment provided detailed outcomes: six fines, three conditional suspensions of indictment with mandatory education, and one conditional suspension with probationary guidance. The agency also stated, "For those with particularly severe offenses, the prosecutor has demanded a fine of 3 million won. The accused are awaiting the results of a formal trial." This reflects the agency's commitment to taking the strongest possible action against malicious commenters. Such actions are typically discussed with the artist, indicating IU's involvement in these decisions.

While IU is firm against illegal acts, she is endlessly gentle when it comes to charity. Since 2009, IU has donated over 6 billion won. This year alone, she has donated more than 750 million won. Every year on her debut anniversary, she donates under the name 'IUaena,' a combination of her name and her fandom 'Uaena.' According to EDAM Entertainment, she recently donated 225 million won to help the socially disadvantaged on her 16th debut anniversary.

IU continues her donations on occasions like Children's Day, year-end, and her birthday. In January, she donated 200 million won for heating costs to welfare facilities for the elderly, children, single mothers, and the disabled. On Children's Day, May 5th, she donated 100 million won, and on her birthday in May, IU donated 200 million won to four organizations, giving 50 million won each.

IU's charity work extends beyond monetary donations. She participated as a vocalist in the song 'Someday' from the OST album of the show musical 'Dream High,' released on the 7th. This project was realized when IU agreed to the musical production team's proposal to donate part of the album's proceeds to support young people preparing for independence.

IU's approach of being strong against the wicked and kind to the weak enhances her positive image. Netizens praised her, saying, "As expected of Ji-eun unnie (IU's real name)," "She excels in looks, singing, and charity." Some fans, identifying themselves as Uaena, expressed pride, saying, "A singer who boosts fans' spirits," and "A person who expresses love without the word 'love.'"

Entertainment industry insiders also praised IU and EDAM Entertainment's strategy as a wise approach. It is not easy for an entertainment agency to showcase both the artist's positive influence and the protection of the artist's rights. IU and EDAM Entertainment's strategy, which balances both, is commendable for fans who support and worry about the artist.

Min-Kyung Lee, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr